It has certainly become an uncrowned symbol of summer. For three holiday weeks, it transports visitors into the world of history, closely guarded secrets and trunks full of all sorts of treasures. In the nooks and crannies of the paved streets, nothing is obvious, as we find out by visiting numerous and colorful stalls with amber, crafts, art and traditional dishes. The phenomenon of St. Dominic’s Fair, which begins on 27 July, is discussed by Zenon Gołaszewski, historian, translator, publicist, author of popular science books and historical novels.

It attracts both tourists and Gdańsk residents – what is the magic of the Fair?

Magic, in its definition, is, among other things, “an extraordinary power of influence, exerting influence”. And this is true in the case of the Dominican Fair. Quite simply, it is enough to be there at least once, to feel the atmosphere, to “breathe in the history” contained in the exhibited antiques, objects from the past, and all against the background of Gdańsk’s monuments, to succumb to this charm and look forward to it every year. Personally, as a historian and writer, and a native of Gdańsk since birth, I have long been subject to the mood that accompanies this Fair.

What is the genesis of this event?

The genesis of this event is very distant in time, it concerns the Middle Ages, specifically the year 1260, when Pope Alexander IV granted the local Dominicans the privilege of indulgence along with the date of its beginning – August 5, the day of the feast of the founder of their order – St. Dominic.

Is there a similar holiday in Poland that is so popular?

Definitely not, as evidenced by the number of visitors to the Fair, which has been in the millions for years!

Why is this tradition so important for the region?

For centuries, fairs have been a magnet attracting both traders and buyers, and they have often determined the prosperity of the towns that organized them. It is not surprising that the city authorities have tried (many times unsuccessfully) to be able to organize them. These, time-honored by centuries, such as the Dominican Fair, still play the same role, attract the attention of many, and thus promote the region.

In your opinion, how much has the model of cultivating the Fair changed?

It depends on what period it should be compared to. It is certainly more secular than in the Middle Ages, and the word “indulgence” is used less frequently in the sense of the forgiveness of sins. Quite simply, it is a great event inscribed in the Gdańsk calendar, where everyone can find something for themselves.

Also a crimson rooster!

Well, this one is the symbol of all the Dominican Fairs in the world. The crimson rooster was both an ancient attribute of the patron saint of merchants and trade – Hermes, but because the crowing of the rooster heralded the arrival of day and light, it also fit well into Christian symbolism.

Is the Gdańsk tradition understandable to a foreigner?

Certainly, the event is an additional attraction if they happen to be visiting Gdańsk at that time as tourists. For Europeans, the concept of fairs is not alien, while for people from other cultural circles it probably has a taste of exoticism and it will probably allow them to remember their stay in Gdańsk and our region even more.

Is it possible to say that the Dominican Fair is an event known in Europe and in the world?

Certainly more and more famous in Europe. Is it in the world? We will probably have to wait a little longer for that, but everything is going in the direction of making it happen. I know about foreigners – hobbyists, and I even know some personally, who come to the Dominican Fair to enrich their collections.

Interviewed by Dagmara Rybicka

Communication Department of Olivia Business Centre